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Two studies evaluated growth promoting effects of implant pellets (IP), each containing 3.5 mg estradiol benzoate (EB) and 25 mg trenbolone acetate (TBA), to which a polymeric, porous coating was applied. Trial 1 evaluated performance of heifers (n = 70/treatment, initial BW = 188 ± 2.2 kg) and steers (n = 70/treatment, initial BW = 194 ± 2.2 kg) implanted subcutaneously in the ear with 0 (SC), 2 (2IP), 4 (4IP), or 6 (6IP) pellets that delivered EB/TBA (mg/mg) doses of 0/0, 7/50, 14/100, and 21/150, respectively, over grazing periods of 202 d (heifers) or 203 d (steers). Animals received experimental treatments on d 0 and over the grazing period were managed as single groups by sex in a rotational grazing system. When pasture forage availability became limited, cattle were supplemented with preserved forage but not concentrate supplements. Weight gains by heifers treated with 2IP, 4IP, and 6IP were greater (P < 0.05) than SC heifers but not different from each other. Weight gains by steers treated with 2IP, 4IP, and 6IP were greater than SC steers (P < 0.05), and ADG by steers treated with 6IP was greater (P < 0.05) than steers given 2IP or 4IP. Trial 2 was a multisite grazing study performed with heifers and steers to compare ADG after treatment with one 6-pellet, coated implant delivering 21 mg EB and 150 mg TBA (6IP) to sham treated negative controls (SC) over a grazing period of at least 200 d. A completely random design was used at each site, with the goal to treat 70 cattle per site, treatment, and sex; data were pooled across sites. Heifers (n = 558, initial BW = 229 ± 16 kg) and steers (n = 555, initial BW = 235 ± 20 kg) grazed in rotational programs consistent with regional practices for an average of 202 d. When necessary, cattle were supplemented with preserved forage, but no concentrate supplements were fed. Over 202 d, ADG by heifers treated with 6IP was 11.3% greater (P = 0.0035) than SC heifers (0.64 ± 0.06 kg/d), and ADG by steers treated with 6IP was 17.2% greater (P = 0.0054) than SC steers (0.66 ± 0.08 kg/d). In neither study was there evidence that concurrent therapeutic treatments or abnormal health observations were influenced by experimental treatments. These studies demonstrated that a 6-pellet implant with a polymeric, porous coating that delivers 21 mg EB and 150 mg TBA improved ADG by grazing heifers and steers for at least 200 d compared to shamimplanted negative controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many stabilization scenarios have examined the implications of stabilization on the assumption that all regions and all sectors of all of the world's economies undertake emissions mitigations wherever and whenever it is cheapest to do so. This idealized assumption is just one of many ways in which emissions mitigation actions could play out globally, but not necessarily the most likely. This paper explores the implications of generic policy regimes that lead to stabilization of CO2 concentrations under conditions in which non-Annex I regions delay emissions reductions and in which carbon prices vary across participating regions. The resulting stabilization scenarios are contrasted with the idealized results. Delays in the date by which non-Annex I regions begin to reduce emissions raise the price of carbon in Annex I regions relative to the price of carbon in Annex I in an idealized regime for any given CO2 concentration limit. This effect increases the longer the delay in non-Annex I accession, the lower the non-Annex I carbon prices relative to the Annex I prices, and the more stringent the stabilization level. The effect of delay is very pronounced when CO2 concentrations are stabilized at 450 ppmv, however the effect is much less pronounced at 550 ppmv and above. For long delays in non-Annex I accession, 450 ppmv stabilization levels become infeasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum IgG-antilipoprotein-autoantibody activity (at 4°C) of a plane xanthoma patient was shown by double-immunodiffusion method. Cryoglobulins in the serum were dissociated to polyclonal IgG and a- and α-lipoproteins by acidification and were reconstructed by neutralization. IgG fraction of the cry'oglobulins precipitated with lipoproteins. The cryoglobulins were thus demonstrated to be immune complexes of polyclonal IgG-antilipoprorein-autoantibody and both α- and β-lipoproteins. A part of the lipoprotein-autoantibody immune complexes was not cryoprecipitable. Antigenic determinants for the autoantibody existed in the lipid moieties of lipoproteins, in contrast to the apoproteins which determined the specificity to heteroimmune anti-lipoprotein antibody. The presence of more than nine different antigenic determinants against the autoantibody indicated that lipoproteins were immunologically heterogeneous depending upon the lipid moieties. Iipoproteins reactive with the autoantibody varied quantitatively in normal individuals and were not detected in a primary hyper-β-lipoproteinaemia patient and in a primary biliary liver cirrhosis patient with much lipoprotein-X. The absence of antigenicity in the two patients' sera is most likely caused by abnormal lipid moieties of lipoproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNase digestion of SLE serum, with consequent release of bound DNA antibody has been proposed as a method for the direct demonstration of circulating DNA-anti-DNA complexes. In the present studies on the serum of a girl with active SLE nephritis, circulating DNA-anti- DNA complexes were demonstrated at the precise time of relapse of SLE nephritis. Ultracentrifugation showed that these complexes were of low molecular weight [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serial serum samples from fifteeen patients with SLE, taken over periods varying from 6 months to 6 years. were tested for DNA binding capacity. DNA electroprecipitins (DNA EP) and C3 level to assess the value of these investigations in reflecting clinical disease activity. Patients with renal involvement showed a good correlation between high levels of DNA binding, low serurn C'3 and disease activity and typically. their DNA-EP was negative. By contrast, patients without renal involvement in whom vasculitis was prominent, showed a poor correlation of DNA binding capacity to changes in the state of their disease although the DNA-LP test was persistently positive. It was also apparent that both the DNA-BC and C'3 can show marked variation in response to alterations in treatment without accompanying clinical change. Although these serological tests, particularly the DNA binding capacity, are of recognized value in the diagnosis of SEE. they serve most usefully as guides to long- term management when they can be related to the clinical pattern of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss, with examples, the use of numerical methods to describe and compare patterns of differentiation between populations of organisms at low taxonomic levels. The role of such methods as adjuncts to the orthodox methods of experimental taxonomy is illustrated by an account of differentiation in Solanum L. Section Solanum (Maurella). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The observation and identification of the spectra arising from transitions between the lowest energy triplet electronic states of diatomic potassium molecules were made by Huennekens et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 80, 4794 (1984)]. In this letter we recalculate theoretical spectra for these transitions using quasistatic line broadening theory and the recently published ab initio potential energy curves of Jeung and Ross [J. Phys. B 21, 1473 (1988)]. The calculated satellite of the 3Σ+g–3Σ+u transition occurs at 1.105 μm while the satellite is experimentally observed at 1.096 μm. This improved agreement both solidifies the original identification of Huennekens et al. and indicates the accuracy of the recent potential energy curves of Jeung and Ross for the low energy triplet states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pays tribute to the late Raymond George Rokeby Robinson, former president of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology.

Examines the mixed connective tissue disease with digital gangrene. Pathogenesis of connective tissue disease; Clinical features of the disease; Prognosis of the disease.

Poor nutritional status is a risk factor when dealing with tissue viability. Older patients are at greatest risk and with an ever increasing older population the problems of poor nutrition need to be carefully addressed. Using NICE guidelines permits health care professionals to work to a consistent standard and to apply recognized guidelines. While looking at the roles of the main nutrients involved in wound healing, this article also offers practical tips to permit community nurses to offer first line advice to any patient recognized as being at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Currently, there is no guideline to support the use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) in primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders in UK. The UK Primary Immunodeficiency Network (UK-PIN) and the British Society of Immunology (BSI) joined forces to address this need. Given the paucity of evidence, a modified Delphi approach was used covering statements for the initiation, monitoring, discontinuation of IgRT as well as home therapy programme. A group of six consultant immunologists and three nurse specialists created the statements, reviewed responses and feedback and agreed on final recommendations. This guideline includes 22 statements for initiation, 22 statements for monitoring, 11 statement for home therapy, and 19 statements for discontinuation of IgRT. Further areas of research are proposed to improve future delivery of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a discourse analysis on the texts of 10 interviews with care staff, this research explored the discourses used by care staff in constructing the aggressive challenging behaviours of men and women with learning disabilities. The research also explored discourses used differentially to understand the aggressive challenging behaviour of one gender. The analysis demonstrated the use of two main discourses, an individual pathology discourse which constructed the behaviour as originating in factors stable and internal to the client, and a context discourse which constructed the behaviour as a response to the client's circumstances. Participants used these accounts flexibly within their talk, and also used a mixed discourse which constructed the behaviour as due to both individual pathology and context. Despite the staff presenting their understandings as not being affected by the client's gender, the presence of two gendered individualizing discourses within the interviews was also demonstrated. Women's behaviour, unlike men's, was constructed with the use of discourses about their menstrual cycle or character flaws. The consequences of the use of these different discourses are discussed, as are the subject positions which they afford for both staff and clients. It is argued that clients are disempowered by the individual pathology discourse; that consideration of the broad contexts within which care-staff actions are situated may allow them to manage blame whilst reflecting on their practice, and that the impact of gender stereotypes on the understandings staff have of a client's behaviour should be a legitimate area for consideration in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated Earth system model (iESM) has been developed as a new tool for projecting the joint human/climate system. The iESM is based upon coupling an integrated assessment model (IAM) and an Earth system model (ESM) into a common modeling infrastructure. IAMs are the primary tool for describing the human-Earth system, including the sources of global greenhouse gases (GHGs) and short-lived species (SLS), land use and land cover change (LULCC), and other resource-related drivers of anthropogenic climate change. ESMs are the primary scientific tools for examining the physical, chemical, and biogeochemical impacts of human-induced changes to the climate system. The iESM project integrates the economic and human-dimension modeling of an IAM and a fully coupled ESM within a single simulation system while maintaining the separability of each model if needed. Both IAM and ESM codes are developed and used by large communities and have been extensively applied in recent national and international climate assessments. By introducing heretofore-omitted feedbacks between natural and societal drivers, we can improve scientific understanding of the human-Earth system dynamics. Potential applications include studies of the interactions and feedbacks leading to the timing, scale, and geographic distribution of emissions trajectories and other human influences, corresponding climate effects, and the subsequent impacts of a changing climate on human and natural systems. This paper describes the formulation, requirements, implementation, testing, and resulting functionality of the first version of the iESM released to the global climate community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated Earth system model (iESM) has been developed as a new tool for projecting the joint human/ climate system. The iESM is based upon coupling an integrated assessment model (IAM) and an Earth system model (ESM) into a common modeling infrastructure. IAMs are the primary tool for describing the human--Earth system, including the sources of global greenhouse gases (GHGs) and short-lived species (SLS), land use and land cover change (LULCC), and other resource-related drivers of anthropogenic climate change. ESMs are the primary scientific tools for examining the physical, chemical, and biogeochemical impacts of human-induced changes to the climate system. The iESM project integrates the economic and humandimension modeling of an IAM and a fully coupled ESM within a single simulation system while maintaining the separability of each model if needed. Both IAM and ESM codes are developed and used by large communities and have been extensively applied in recent national and international climate assessments. By introducing heretofore-omitted feedbacks between natural and societal drivers, we can improve scientific understanding of the human--Earth system dynamics. Potential applications include studies of the interactions and feedbacks leading to the timing, scale, and geographic distribution of emissions trajectories and other human influences, corresponding climate effects, and the subsequent impacts of a changing climate on human and natural systems. This paper describes the formulation, requirements, implementation, testing, and resulting functionality of the first version of the iESM released to the global climate community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated Earth system model (iESM) has been developed as a new tool for projecting the joint human/climate system. The iESM is based upon coupling an integrated assessment model (IAM) and an Earth system model (ESM) into a common modeling infrastructure. IAMs are the primary tool for describing the human-Earth system, including the sources of global greenhouse gases (GHGs) and short-lived species (SLS), land use and land cover change (LULCC), and other resource-related drivers of anthropogenic climate change. ESMs are the primary scientific tools for examining the physical, chemical, and biogeochemical impacts of human-induced changes to the climate system. The iESM project integrates the economic and humandimension modeling of an IAM and a fully coupled ESM within a single simulation system while maintaining the separability of each model if needed. Both IAM and ESM codes are developed and used by large communities and have been extensively applied in recent national and international climate assessments. By introducing heretofore-omitted feedbacks between natural and societal drivers, we can improve scientific understanding of the human-Earth system dynamics. Potential applications include studies of the interactions and feedbacks leading to the timing, scale, and geographic distribution of emissions trajectories and other human influences, corresponding climate effects, and the subsequent impacts of a changing climate on human and natural systems. This paper describes the formulation, requirements, implementation, testing, and resulting functionality of the first version of the iESM released to the global climate community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trials were conducted with beef heifers at 4 sites to evaluate feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in response to implants containing 14 mg estradiol benzoate and 100 mg trenbolone acetate (EB/TBA; Synovex Choice, Zoetis LLC, New York, NY), 14 mg estradiol benzoate (EB), 100 mg trenbolone acetate (TBA), or a sham-implanted control (SC). The study design at each site was a randomized complete block with 12 blocks and 4 treatments. Blocks of cattle at each site were harvested in commercial abattoirs when masked personnel estimated at least 60% of animals would yield carcasses with USDA quality grades of Choice or Prime. Data were pooled across sites for statistical analysis. Initial BW averaged 374 kg, and days on feed ranged from 98 to 126 d (mean 112 d). Heifers implanted with EB/TBA, EB, and TBA had greater ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) than SC; ADG and G:F were greater for EB/TBA than EB or TBA (P < 0.05). Heifers treated with TBA had greater G:F than EB (P < 0.05). Feed intake was not affected by treatments. Mean HCW and LM area for EB/TBA were greater than for other treatments (P < 0.05). Mean HCW for TBA was greater than SC (P < 0.05) but not different from EB. Mean LM area for EB and TBA were greater than SC (P < 0.05) but not different from each other. There were no treatment differences (P > 0.05) for KPH, 12th-rib fat thickness, or yield grade. Dressing percent was greater for EB/TBA than SC (P < 0.05) but not different from EB or TBA. Marbling score was decreased by EB/TBA (P < 0.05) compared with other treatments, but no other differences were noted. Despite the effect of EB/TBA on marbling scores, there were no significant (P > 0.05) treatment differences on proportions of carcasses with quality grades ≥ Choice vs. < Choice. With respect to ADG and G:F, implants containing EB, TBA, or EB/TBA produced improved responses over SC. Furthermore, EB/TBA induced greater ADG and G:F responses than EB and TBA. Results confirmed that EB and TBA have additive effects, as evidenced by the observation that calves implanted with EB/TBA had significantly greater ADG and G:F than heifers implanted with either EB or TBA alone or compared with SC heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is an excess of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) but no long-term Australian cohort data. Aims To determine median life years lost, all-cause standardised mortality ratio ( SMR) and cause-specific SMR, their predictors and secular change in Australian patients with RA. Methods Study population was all patients seen by a rheumatologist between 1990 and 1994. Record linkage with Australian National Death Index was performed to determine fact and cause of death up to 2004. All-cause and cause-specific SMR, and median life years lost were determined. Results There were 35 (31%) deaths in the early 1990s cohort ( n = 113), SMR 1.31 (95% 0.93, 1.80). There were 216 (44%) deaths in the pre-1990s established cohort ( n = 495), SMR 1.73 (1.49, 1.95). Median life years lost in the early cohort was 6 years for males and 7 years for females compared with 8 and 10 years, respectively, in the established cohort. Patients with low disease activity score at baseline ( DAS < 3.2), SMR was 0.8 (0.3, 2.2) and 1.5 (1.1, 2.2) for the early and established cohorts, and if DAS ≥3.2, SMR was 1.4 (1.02, 1.98) and 1.8 (1.5, 2.1) respectively. Primary cause of death was cardiovascular disease ( SMR 1.43 (1.17, 1.74). Patients at most risk were those age 45-54 years. RA was listed as a comorbid condition on the death certificate in only 16% of patients. Conclusions Within a period of 14 years, median life expectancy of patients with RA with disease onset in the early 1990s is reduced by 6-7 years. However, our results also suggest a secular reduction in excess mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synovex Plus (SP) is a product that delivers 28 rag of estradiol benzoate (EB) and 200 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA). We studied the impact of a polymeric, porous coating on SP implants (CSP) to prolong release of EB and TBA, and stimulate feedlot performance of feedlot cattle for an extended period. In an explant study, 30 steers were implanted with SP in one ear and CSP in the contralateral ear. Cattle (n = 6/d) were necropsied 40, 81, 120, 160, and 200 d after treatment, and remaining EB and TBA were quantified. Linear regression of EB and TBA remaining as a function of time for each treatment were computed. Rates of EB and TBA depletion from SP were -0.1980 (r² = 0.9994) and -1.7073 mg/d (r² = 0.9644), respectively, and for CSP rates of EB and TBA depletion were -0.1049 (r² = 0.9123) and -0.9466 mg/d (r2 = 0.9297), respectively. The effect of treatment on depletion rates of each analyte were significant (P < 0.05). Data also showed EB and TBA were delivered from CSP at least 200 d but were delivered from SP about 120 d. Multisite trials with beef-type steers (4 sites) and heifers (4 sites) evaluated feedlot performance and carcass characteristics in response to a CSP implant or when sham implanted (SC). A randomized complete block design with 9 blocks and 2 treatments was used per site within animal gender. Across sites, steers (n = 342, BW = 297 kg) were fed finishing rations for 190 to 202 d (mean 198 d) and heifers (n = 342, BW = 289 kg) were fed finishing rations for 191 to 201 d (mean 198 d). Cattle were harvested and carcasses evaluated. Data were pooled across sites within gender for statistical analysis. Steers and heifers treated with CSP yielded greater (P < 0.003) ADG, DMI, and G:F than SC steers and heifers. Mean BW differences between CSP and SC continued to increase throughout the study, indicating CSP stimulated growth of steers and heifers for 198 d. Mean carcass weights of CSP steers (P = 0.005) and heifers (P = 0.004) were greater than those of SP steers and heifers by 26.2 and 20.6 kg, respectively. The LM area was larger (P < 0.001) in CSP steers and heifers than SC cattle. Marbling decreased with CSP treatment (P< 0.031), which caused reductions (P < 0.006) in proportions of carcasses grading Prime or Choice. Evidence from these studies showed that a single administration of CSP increased feedlot cattle performance for at least 198 d, compared with SC, and may reduce the need to reimplant cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterioplankton of the marine Roseobacter clade have genomes that reflect a dynamic environment and diverse interactions with marine plankton. Comparative genome sequence analysis of three cultured representatives suggests that cellular requirements for nitrogen are largely provided by regenerated ammonium and organic compounds (polyamines, allophanate, and urea), while typical sources of carbon include amino acids, glyoxylate, and aromatic metabolites. An unexpectedly large number of genes are predicted to encode proteins involved in the production, degradation, and efflux of toxins and metabolites. A mechanism likely involved in cell-to-cell DNA or protein transfer was also discovered: vir-related genes encoding a type IV secretion system typical of bacterial pathogens. These suggest a potential for interacting with neighboring cells and impacting the routing of organic matter into the microbial loop. Genes shared among the three roseobacters and also common in nine draft Roseobacter genomes include those for carbon monoxide oxidation, dimethylsulfonio-propionate demethylation, and aromatic compound degradation. Genes shared with other cultured marine bacteria include those for utilizing sodium gradients, transport and metabolism of sulfate, and osmoregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine if transducer pressure modifies power Doppler assessments of rheumatoid arthritis synovium at the metacarpophalangeal joints and metatarsophalangeal joints. Five rheumatoid arthritis patients of varying degrees of‘disease activity’ and damage were assessed with power Doppler ultrasound scanning of the dominant hand second to fifth metacarpophalangeal joints. Two rheumatoid arthritis patients had their dominant foot first to fifth metatarsophalangeal joints assessed with power Doppler ultrasound. Ultrasonography was performed with a high frequency transducer (14 MHz) with a colour mode frequency of 10 Mhz, and a standard colour box and gain. In the joint that showed the highest power Doppler signal, an image was made. A further image was taken after transducer pressure was applied. In all patients, there was increased flow to at least one joint. After pressure was applied, power Doppler signal intensity markedly reduced in all images and in some there was no recordable power Doppler signal. Increased transducer pressure can result in a marked reduction or obliteration in power Doppler signal. This power Doppler‘blanching’ shows the need for further studies to evaluate sources of error and standardization before power Doppler ultrasound becomes a routine measure of‘disease activity’ in rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: In early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), longitudinal studies have demonstrated that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than radiography in demonstrating progressive erosive joint damage. The present study evaluated the progression of erosive damage in patients with established RA by using limited field of view MRI and comparing the results with those obtained by radiography. METHODS: MRI and radiographic studies were available from 47 of 60 patients enrolled in a 2-year RA observational study. MRI of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints was performed at baseline and 2 years later, and a single observer scored all of the MR images with the use of an MRI scoring method developed by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials MRI RA study group. MR images from 14 patients were reread by the same observer after 1 week to assess intraobserver reliability. Radiographs were obtained at baseline and at 2 years, and were scored by an observer using the Scott modification of the Larsen score. Radiographs from 14 patients were reread after 1 week to assess the intraobserver reliability. The smallest detectable difference (SDD) was calculated for the MRI scores, the total Larsen scores, and the Larsen scores of the dominant-hand MCP joints (MCPs 2-5) for direct comparison with the MRI results. RESULTS: The median disease duration was 5.1 years (range 0.5-29 years). Evidence of erosion progression was identified by MRI in 30 patients (64%). The SDD based on the intraobserver scores was calculated as +/-3.25 units. Using this result, 11 patients (23%) showed evidence of erosion progression on MRI that was greater than the SDD. The SDD for progression based on the intraobserver total Larsen radiographic scores was 0.77 units, and the SDD for the Larsen scores of the dominant-hand MCP joints was 1.55 units. On the basis of these results, radiographic progression was noted in 19 patients (40%) by the total Larsen score and 7 patients (15%) by the dominant-hand MCP Larsen score. The most striking finding was that although MRI and radiograph scores identified a similar group of patients as having progression of joint damage, the radiographs of both hands appeared to be more responsive to change, albeit with the caveat that radiographic progression was most marked outside the dominant-hand MCP joints. CONCLUSION: There was no clear advantage of MRI with a limited field of view as compared with radiographic imaging of both hands in detecting progression of joint damage over 2 years in this group of patients with established RA. The conclusion drawn from this study is not that radiographs are better than MRI or vice versa, but that careful analysis is required to determine the optimal imaging method, or combination of imaging methods, for each study population, depending on the objective and duration of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteocutaneous radial forearm free flaps have fallen from favor due to pathological fractures of the radius. The purposes of this study were to propose a means to decrease the rate of pathological fracture by prophylactic fixation of the donor-site defect and to evaluate this technique biomechanically.Methods: Two groups of ten matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric radii were harvested. In Group 1, an eight-centimeter length of radius comprising 50 percent of the cross-sectional area of the bone was removed to simulate an osteocutaneous radial forearm donor-site defect. This defect was created in one member of each pair, with the other bone in the pair left intact. In Group 2, both members of the ten matched pairs of radii had identical defects created as previously described. However, one radius in each pair had a twelve-hole, 3.5-millimeter dynamic compression plate placed across the segmental defect. In each group, five matched pairs were tested to failure in torsion and five matched pairs were tested to failure in four-point bending.Results: In Group 1, the intact radius was a mean of 5.7 times stronger in torsion and 4.2 times stronger in four-point bending than the radius with the segmental resection. In Group 2, the radius that was ostectomized and fixed with a plate was a mean of 4.0 times stronger in torsion and 2.7 times stronger in four-point bending than the ostectomized radius.Conclusions: Removal of an eight-centimeter segment from the radius dramatically decreased both torsion and bending strength. Application of a plate over the defect in the radius significantly restored the strength of the radius (p = 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the presence on Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines on platelets and on fibroblasts of an HLA-B27-associated cell surface complex (antigenically related to some antigens of Klebsiella K43 and K21) which is identical to or cross-reactive with the determinant present on the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of B27-positive patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). By contrast, no Kiebsiella K43 markers could be demonstrated on the spermatozoa of B27+ AS+ individuals even though these cells expressed the HLA-B27 alloantigen. No B27-associated K43 antigen was detected on the erythrocytes of patients or of normal controls. The B27-associated membrane marker is still detectable on lymphoblastoid cell lines after 20 generations and on fibroblasts after about 10 generations. This finding implies that the continued expression of the Klebsiella-modified B27 structure is genetically determined and does not require the repeated exposure of the cell surface to Klebsiella antigen. These data suggest that certain non-lymphoid as well as lymphoid cells may be involved in the complex sequence of events leading to the clinical manifestation of AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on adaptation science and its importance in economy for natural systems. It mentions that adaptation improves preparedness which is crucial for climate policy and considers that initial adaptation planning is taking place in several sectors including water resource management, forestry and insurance. It states that the research of adaptation science needs the clarification of scientific information for improved decision making. INSET: Adaptation Science in Action.

The article presents a case study of a 52-year-old woman with lesion on her neck and had developed pemphigus foliaceus (PF) three years previously. A small papule and bowenoid solar keratosis were noted on physical examination and histological examination respectively. The patient has experienced a relapse of PF within one week of imiquimod treatment. Prednisone and topical mometasone cream treatments were started which resolved the bullae and removed the basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Cultured skin fibroblasts of HLA-B27-positive clinically normal individuals specifically bind, and are modified by, a factor in the culture filtrate of some Klebsiella isolates. These modified fibroblasts are serologically similar to the cells (lymphocytes and fibroblasts) of B27-positive patients with anklosing sondylitis (B27+AS+ cells fail to bind the factor, presumably because a receptor present on B27+AS- cells has already been blocked or modified by a Klesiella antigen in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]